Hot Stuffed Dates

Every Christmas I serve these simple hors d'oeuvres, and every
Christmas people want more. The combination of dates with bacon and
green olives, or almonds, may sound strange, but wait until you try
them. They are simple to prepare, and can be stuffed in advance,
then frozen until ready to bake. But don't just eat them at
Christmas. In fact, right now is as good a time as any.

Ingredients

12 pitted dates

12 small green olives, stuffed with pimientos

3 strips lean bacon

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut each bacon strip into
thirds. Then cut each third in half lengthwise to form two narrow
strips.

Stuff each date with an olive. Wrap a piece of bacon around it
and secure with a toothpick. Repeat until a dozen dates have been
stuffed.

Place the dates on a baking sheet, evenly spaced. Bake for 10 to
15 minutes or until the bacon is crisp; drain and serve warm.

Note: You may also stuff the dates with whole
blanched almonds or whole walnut pieces. Make them in advance and
freeze them, then bake the day of the party.